Longer leases are best for situations where you and any roommates know you want to stay in the apartment for a year or more. Ideally, you're already familiar with the neighborhood and have a stable work or school situation. Shorter leases or month-to-month leases are better for renters who need a bit more flexibility.
If you plan to stay long-term, two-year will be much cheaper a decade or more down the line (compound interest, and the two-year increases are always less than double the one-year increases). But you might want the flexibility of a one-year lease or just don't plan to stay long enough for it to be worthwhile.
Leases typically run for one year or more. Any lease for less than 12 months is considered short-term. You can find short-term apartment leases for three months, six months, nine months or even month-to-month. Monthly leases generally renew automatically each month as long as you and your landlord both agree.
To Landlords out there - how long do you prefer to lease to tenants? Most landlords prefer 1 year leases, at least to start off with. Some landlords don't mind long term leases or even prefer it. A tenant who becomes extremely difficult despite having good references and prior rental history is very much a possibility.
Month-to-Month Leases Renters can expect the monthly rent rate to be much higher than that of a fixed-term lease. However, renting month-to-month gives you the flexibility to move out with far less notice than with other lease types.
Renting, especially on a short-term basis, can sometimes come with higher monthly costs due to the increased flexibility it offers the landlord. For instance, a studio apartment for rent on a month-to-month basis might be more expensive per month than the same apartment under a lease agreement.
The lowest rental rates are usually found between October and April, particularly right after the December holiday season. Fewer people are interested in moving—the weather's bad, schools are in session, etc. So individuals renting between the months of December and March typically find the best rental bargains.
In some cities, the odds of getting denied for an apartment can be as high as 30% or more, making it essential to understand why applications get rejected and how you can improve your chances of securing your ideal rental.
The most common terms for a short-term lease are six months or three months. This lease length is ideal if you're working or studying in a new area for a short period of time. For those looking for a longer-term approach, some apartments also offer 18-month leases or even two-year leases.
Renting an apartment isn't as easy as waltzing in and saying “I'll take it!”—particularly in today's competitive rental market. With many prospective tenants to choose from, landlords can be picky, and they will prioritize applicants with a track record of paying off debts and respecting their neighbors and community.